Depression and Addiction

Depression and addiction are closely related. People struggling with depression may feel as though they are living in a dark world with no hope on the horizon. They may feel low self-esteem, a sense of unworthiness, and despair. Some people turn to addictive substances like alcohol or drugs to ease their symptoms and make them feel somewhat ‘high’ for a short period. 

Although the person dealing with depression will feel better when experiencing the pleasurable after-effects, in the long term, abusing drugs can cause more damage to the brain and body, making the depression even worse.

In this article, Avenues Recovery, leaders in addiction treatment and rehabilitation, explore the link between depression and addiction.

What Is the Link Between Depression and Addiction?

Addiction and substance abuse are often linked since people with depression are tempted to use addictive substances to alleviate their symptoms. Struggling with addiction and depression is known as a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, people with a history of mental illness are 25% more likely to abuse alcohol, 69% more likely to misuse cocaine, and 94% more likely to smoke. In fact, around a third of people who suffer from clinical depression also struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction.

On the other hand, the issue is bi-directional. This means that oftentimes, substance abuse comes first, and depression is caused as a result. Drugs that are depressants, such as alcohol, heroin, or cannabis, slow down the central nervous system of the person using the drug. This causes a sense of peace and calm but also fatigue, dizziness, poor coordination, and nausea, leading to depression.

What is Depression?

Depression, or depressive disorder, is a mental health disorder where a person feels low and depressed, loses interest in activities, hobbies, or relationships that were previously enjoyed, and has an extreme lack of motivation. Although it’s normal to grieve after a loss, feel sad at times, or have regular mood fluctuations, if these feelings occur every day for around 2 weeks and interfere with everyday normal activities, it could be an indication of clinical depression.

Common Depression Symptoms

Below are some symptoms of depression:

• Lack of motivation and energy
• Loss of interest in past hobbies
• Poor concentration
• Trouble sleeping or fatigue
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of dying or suicide

Overall, someone suffering from depression will lack the motivation to engage in everyday activities, even finding it a struggle to get out of bed. They may talk about hating themselves or have an obsession with death and dying. They may also express the desire to end their own life. Their performance will usually decrease at work, at home, and with their social crowd.

It’s important to note that people who are addicted to drugs may be suffering from depression, but it’s hard to detect it because drug addiction and depression have similar side effects. 

Common Types of Depression 

There are several different types of clinical depression, all of which require professional intervention to bring relief from the symptoms.

Major Depression (MDD)

Also known as Major Depressive Disorder, this is the most commonly diagnosed form of depression. It is diagnosed by a mental health professional if at least five of the above symptoms are identified in a person for 2 weeks or longer, with at least one of them being feelings of depression or losing interest in activities. Under this type of depression, there are various subtypes since depression presents itself differently in different people.

Included subtypes of MDD are:

• Anxious distress- feeling anxious and tense and the feeling that something bad may happen.
• Melancholy- extreme sadness and thoughts of suicide, particularly in the morning.
• Agitated- feeling nervous and impulsive, characterized by pacing or nervous tapping.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

This is when a person struggles with depression that lasts for 2 years or longer. The symptoms are the same as Major Depression but do not go away for a significant amount of time for 2 or more years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Also known as SAD, this form of depression is usually present in the winter months only, when there is little sunshine. It is diagnosed if symptoms of depression persist over 3 consecutive winters, and treatment may entail sitting near a light box for around 15 minutes every day.

Bipolar Disorder

Also known as ‘manic depression,’ Bipolar Disorder is where a person experiences extreme, manic ‘highs’ followed by depressive ‘low’ episodes. The ‘low’ periods mimic Major Depression in symptoms.

Postpartum Depression

PPD is a common form of depression for women after they give birth. This is especially pertinent when, besides the life-altering experience of having a baby and the accompanying hormonal imbalance, a woman feels overwhelmed, unsupported, or otherwise stressed.

Psychotic Depression

This is a form of depression where there are hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, meaning that the depression is also psychotic.

There are other forms of depression, but these are the most commonly diagnosed forms. With every form of depression, the person struggling with depression will affect others, such as their family, friends, and colleagues in the workplace. Depression is dark and painful, but fortunately, many medications and therapies can help you or your loved one manage their condition and live a productive life. 

Root Causes of Depression and Substance Abuse

Depression and drug abuse often share common underlying factors, making it important to understand their connection. Both conditions are influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors, which can create a cycle that is challenging to break.

• Biological Factors: Genetics play a key role in both addiction and depression. A family history of these conditions increases the likelihood of developing them. Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, can affect mood regulation and reward systems, contributing to both depression and addiction.

• Psychological Factors: Trauma, stress, and unresolved emotional issues often lead to depression and drug abuse. Experiences like childhood abuse or significant loss can increase vulnerability. Substances may be used to cope with these emotions, while depression can result from ongoing emotional distress.
• Environmental Factors: A person's environment, including exposure to poverty, violence, or substance abuse, can contribute to both depression and substance abuse. Lack of support or isolation can worsen feelings of hopelessness, pushing individuals toward substance use as an escape.
  
  

Treatment for Depression and Addiction

Living with both addiction and depression can be overwhelming, but comprehensive treatment offers hope for recovery. Both conditions must be treated together, as ignoring one can worsen the other. Effective treatment involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support systems tailored to individual needs.

Treatment for depression and co-occurring Addiction may include:

• Medication: Antidepressants are often prescribed to address the symptoms of depression, while medications for addiction help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications work together to stabilize mood and promote engagement in therapy.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to both addiction and depression.
• Trauma therapies are used to address underlying trauma that may have led to substance abuse and depression.
• Family Systems Therapy focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family, which can be essential for long-term recovery.
• Motivational Interviewing helps individuals strengthen their commitment to change.
• 12-step programs and support groups provide a community of individuals with shared experiences.
• Medically supervised detox is crucial for those with substance use disorders to ensure safe withdrawal.

The journey doesn’t end after rehab. A robust aftercare program focuses on reintegration into society, maintaining sobriety, and managing depression over the long term.

Get Help for Addiction and Depression

Addiction and substance abuse are deeply interconnected, often feeding off one another and making recovery more challenging. When both conditions are treated together with a personalized plan, individuals have the best chance of recovery. Avenues Recovery offers a comprehensive approach, combining medical care, therapy, and support systems to help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction and depression.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, depression, or both, Avenues Recovery’s professional and compassionate staff is ready to guide you through the recovery process. Reach out today to begin your journey toward a healthier, happier life.